by the Village Elliott

When Musial died, I really couldn’t name your
Oldest surviving Baseball Hall of Famer;
Learned at 97, Red Sox Bobby Doerr
Is oldest, while three others 90 or more:
There’s Albert “Red” Schoendienst who is 92,
Now Yogi, who last month just turned 90, too.
Still, third one is older; his powerful swing
Helped Giants of Gotham earn World Series ring.
Respect of the Franchise is still evident;
Invited by new champs to meet president.
Like year-older Red Sox, a star before War,
In the Negro, not Major Leagues (white like Doerr),
The player Branch Rickey first wanted to sign.
Branch wouldn’t compensate team, so Jackie broke line.
In two years he breaks Giants’ pale color scheme.
In two more, breaks Brooklyn hearts, bums Jackie’s team,
Big part of the Miracle of Coogan’s Bluff.
Mentored team’s prodigy: He taught me Right Stuff.
I was Negro League vet, but Majors raw rook,
He helped me to adjust, showed me what it took;
Was like my big brother, still is to this day,
A true Hall of Famer, says Mister “Say Hey.”
First Big League black exec, broke that color line.
Soon enters through “front door” of Cooperstown shrine,
Mid-80s, retires, stays active in game;
Jints retire number, still honor his name;
For long life in baseball, few more deservin’
Than young 96-year-old Monte Irvin.
(Adds Willie: First glove in the Big Leagues I score,
A MacGregor endorsed by Red Sox Bobby Doerr.)